King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 8:2 Mean?

2 Kings 8:2 in the King James Version says “And the woman arose, and did after the saying of the man of God: and she went with her household, and sojourned in the l...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the woman arose, and did after the saying of the man of God: and she went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years.”

2 Kings 8:2 · KJV

Context

1

Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the LORD hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years.

2

And the woman arose, and did after the saying of the man of God: and she went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years.

3

And it came to pass at the seven years' end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land.

4

And the king talked with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, Tell me, I pray thee, all the great things that Elisha hath done.

Read 2 Kings 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the woman arose, and did after the saying of the man of God: and she went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 8 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Elisha's International Influence) reflects the historical reality of God's compassionate provision through prophetic miracles while both kingdoms struggled with persistent idolatry. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 8 regarding prophetic word shapes national events?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַתָּ֙קָם֙1 of 14

“arose”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה2 of 14

“And the woman”

H802

a woman

וַתַּ֕עַשׂ3 of 14

“and did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כִּדְבַ֖ר4 of 14

“after the saying”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אִ֣ישׁ5 of 14

“of the man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים6 of 14

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וַתֵּ֤לֶךְ7 of 14
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

הִיא֙8 of 14
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וּבֵיתָ֔הּ9 of 14

“with her household”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וַתָּ֥גָר10 of 14

“and sojourned”

H1481

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

בְּאֶֽרֶץ11 of 14

“in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים12 of 14

“of the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

שֶׁ֥בַע13 of 14

“seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

שָׁנִֽים׃14 of 14

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 8:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Kings 8:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 5:81 Samuel 27:1-3Judges 3:3

Test Your Knowledge

2 Kings 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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